View source for Bonaire

{{Short description|Dutch Caribbean island}}
{{About|the Caribbean island}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Bonaire
| native_name        = {{native name|pap|Boneiru}}
| settlement_type    = [[Caribbean Netherlands|Special municipality]] of the [[Netherlands]]
| image_flag         = Flag of Bonaire.svg
| flag_size          = 125
| image_shield       = Bonaire_wapen.svg
| shield_size        = 70
| image_map          = Bonaire in its region.svg
| map_caption        = {{map caption|location_color=circled in red|region=the [[Caribbean]]|region_color=none}}
| anthem             = "[[Tera di Solo y Suave Biento]]"<br />(English: "Land of Sun and Gentle Breeze")<br />{{center|[[File:Teradisoloisuavebiento.ogg]]}}
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Papiamentu]]<ref name="languages" />{{*}}[[Dutch language|Dutch]]
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{Flag|Netherlands}}
| subdivision_type1  = Overseas region
| subdivision_name1  = [[Caribbean Netherlands]]
| established_title  = Incorporated into the Netherlands
| established_date   = 10 October 2010 ([[Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles]])
| government_footnotes = &nbsp;(see [[Politics of the Netherlands]])
| leader_title       = [[Lieutenant governor|Lt. Governor]]
| leader_name        = [[John Soliano]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hofstra |first=Hans |date=2024-06-16 |title=John Soliano about his new role as lieutenant governor: 'Integrity and inclusivity are crucial' |url=https://bes-reporter.com/john-soliano-about-his-new-role-as-lieutenant-governor-integrity-and-inclusivity-are-crucial/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=BES Reporter}}</ref>
| seat_type          = Capital and largest city
| seat               = [[Kralendijk]]
| coordinates        = {{coord|12|9|N|68|16|W|display=inline,title}}
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="Rjik" />
| area_total_km2     = 288
| population_footnotes = <ref name="CBS.nl">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2025/21/population-of-the-caribbean-netherlands-up-by-nearly-1-6-thousand-in-2024#:~:text=Population%20of%20the%20Caribbean%20Netherlands%20up%20by%20nearly%201.6%20thousand%20in%202024,-19/05/2025&text=On%201%20January%202025%2C%20the%20population%20of%20Bonaire%20stood%20at,percent)%20than%20one%20year%20previously. |title=Population of the Caribbean Netherlands up by nearly 1.6 thousand in 2024 |date=19 May 2025 }}</ref>
| population_total   = 26,552<ref name="CBS.nl"/>
| population_as_of   = 1 January 2025
| population_density_km2 = 83.6
| population_demonym = {{hlist|Bonairean|Dutch}}
| timezone           = [[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]]
| utc_offset         = −4:00
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Bonaire|Calling code]]
| area_code          = [[+599]]
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:BQ|BQ-BO]], [[ISO 3166-2:NL|NL-BQ1]]
| blank_name_sec1    = Currency
| blank_info_sec1    = {{nowrap|[[United States dollar]]}} ($) ([[ISO 4217|USD]])
| blank_name_sec2    = [[Country code top-level domain|Internet TLD]]
| blank_info_sec2    = {{ubl|[[.nl]]|[[.bq]]{{efn|.bq is designated but not in use for the Caribbean Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:BQ |title=BQ{{Snd}} Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba |publisher=[[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:BQ |archive-date=17 June 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/bq.html |title=Delegation Record for .BQ |publisher=[[Internet Assigned Numbers Authority|IANA]] |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=30 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529125032/https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/bq.html |archive-date=29 May 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Like the rest of the Netherlands, .nl is primarily in use.}}}}
}}
'''Bonaire'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|b|ɒ|ˈ|n|ɛər}} {{respell|bon|AIR}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bonaire|title=Bonaire|work=Dictionary.com|access-date=2015-11-23|archive-date=2015-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124093508/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bonaire|url-status=live}}</ref> {{IPA|nl|boːˈnɛːr(ə)|lang|Nl-Bonaire.ogg}};<ref>Mangold, Max. ''Duden – Das Aussprachewörterbuch.'' In: ''Der Duden in zwölf Bänden,'' Band 6. 7. Auflage. Berlin: Dudenverlag; Mannheim : Institut für Deutsche Sprache, 2015, Seite 242.</ref> {{langx|pap|Boneiru}} {{IPA|pap|bʊˈne̝i̯ru|}}}} is a [[Caribbean]] island in the [[Leeward Antilles]], and is a [[Caribbean Netherlands|special municipality]] (officially [[Public body (Netherlands)|"public body"]]) of the [[Netherlands]]. Its capital is the port of [[Kralendijk]], on the west ([[Windward and leeward|leeward]]) coast of the island. [[Aruba]], Bonaire and [[Curaçao]] form the [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC islands]], 80&nbsp;km (50 miles) off the coast of [[Venezuela]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Map of Bonaire | website=Caribbean Islands Maps and Guides | date=2015-12-18 | url=http://www.skyviews.com/bonaire-map/ | access-date=2019-03-20 | archive-date=2023-05-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529063227/http://skyviews.com/bonaire-map/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The islands have an arid climate that attracts visitors seeking warm, sunny weather all year round, and they lie outside the [[Main Development Region]] for [[tropical cyclone]]s. Bonaire is a popular snorkeling and [[scuba diving]] destination because of its multiple shore diving sites, shipwrecks and easy access to the island's [[fringing reef]]s.

As of 1 January 2025, the island's population total 26,552 permanent residents,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Netherlands |first=Statistics |date=2025-05-19 |title=Population of the Caribbean Netherlands up by nearly 1.6 thousand in 2024 |url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2025/21/population-of-the-caribbean-netherlands-up-by-nearly-1-6-thousand-in-2024#:~:text=Population%20of%20the%20Caribbean%20Netherlands%20up%20by%20nearly%201.6%20thousand%20in%202024,-19/05/2025&text=On%201%20January%202025,%20the%20population%20of%20Bonaire%20stood%20at,percent)%20than%20one%20year%20previously. |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Statistics Netherlands |language=en-GB}}</ref> an increase of 10,011 since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bonaire: population 2023 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/706799/population-of-bonaire-in-the-caribbean-netherlands/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref> The island's total land area is {{convert|288|km²}};<ref name="Rjik" /> it is {{convert |38.6 | km}} long from north to south, and ranges from {{convert|5 – 8 |km|0|abbr=on}} wide from east to west. A short {{convert|800|m|mi}} west of Bonaire across the sea is the uninhabited islet of [[Klein Bonaire]] with a total land area of {{convert |6|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Alliance |first=Dutch Caribbean Nature |date=2013-08-27 |title=Reforestation Klein Curacao and Klein Bonaire Successful |url=https://dcnanature.org/reforestation-klein-curacao-and-klein-bonaire-successful/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=DCNA |language=en-US}}</ref> Klein Bonaire has low-growing vegetation including cactus, with sparse palm trees near the water and is bordered by white sandy beaches and a fringing reef. The reefs, beaches and on-island reserves located on both Bonaire and Klein Bonaire are under the protection of the [[Bonaire National Marine Park]], and managed by [[STINAPA Bonaire]].<ref name=":10">{{cite web | title=History Klein Bonaire | website=Stinapa Bonaire | date=2014-10-10 | url=https://stinapabonaire.org/history-klein-bonaire/ | access-date=2018-06-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614045842/https://stinapabonaire.org/history-klein-bonaire/ | archive-date=2018-06-14 }}</ref><ref name=":8" />

Bonaire was part of the [[Netherlands Antilles]] until [[Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles|the country's dissolution]] in 2010,<ref name="NoS" /> when the island became a [[Caribbean Netherlands|special municipality]] (officially, a "[[Public body (Netherlands)|Caribbean public body]]") within the country of the [[Netherlands]].<ref name="WOLBES" /> It is one of three special municipalities in the Caribbean; the others are [[Sint Eustatius]] and [[Saba (island)|Saba]].<ref name="WOLBES" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.government.nl/files/documents-and-publications/publications/2013/04/22/koninkrijk-der-nederlanden/kingdom-of-the-netherlands-def.pdf |title=Kingdom of the Netherlands_DEF |access-date=2017-06-13 |archive-date=2015-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106074925/http://www.government.nl/files/documents-and-publications/publications/2013/04/22/koninkrijk-der-nederlanden/kingdom-of-the-netherlands-def.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 80% of Bonaire's inhabitants are Dutch nationals, and nearly 60% of its residents were born in the former Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.<ref>{{cite web | title=Population Caribbean Netherlands stable | website=CBS | date=2016-07-21 | url=http://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2016/29/population-caribbean-netherlands-stable | access-date=2018-06-13 | archive-date=2023-03-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327194513/https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2016/29/population-caribbean-netherlands-stable | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Etymology ==

The name 'Bonaire' is thought to be derived from the [[Caquetio language|Caquetio]] word '''Bonay''{{'}}, meaning 'low country'. The early Spanish and Dutch modified its spelling to ''Bojnaj'' and also ''Bonaire''. French influence, while present at various times, was never strong enough to make the assumption that the name means 'good air'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infobonaire.com/history/|title=Bonaire's History{{Snd}} InfoBonaire|author=Elly A.|access-date=2016-03-21|archive-date=2018-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828070043/https://www.infobonaire.com/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to another theory, the name might be derived from the Spanish phrase "buen aire", which does mean 'good air', as the Spanish were the first Europeans to colonise the island.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Seco|first=Manuel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FLF2iT9qZHQC&q=Bonaire+buen+aire&pg=PA229|title=Estudios de lingüística española: homenaje a Manuel Seco|date=2012|publisher=Universidad de Alicante|isbn=978-84-9717-183-0|language=es|access-date=2021-05-03|archive-date=2024-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419073748/https://books.google.com/books?id=FLF2iT9qZHQC&q=Bonaire+buen+aire&pg=PA229#v=snippet&q=Bonaire%20buen%20aire&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Treasury|first=United States Department of the|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvnRWAy5TksC&q=Bonaire+buen+aire&pg=PA758|title=Treasury Decisions Under Customs and Other Laws|date=1895|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|language=en|access-date=2021-05-03|archive-date=2024-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419073938/https://books.google.com/books?id=VvnRWAy5TksC&q=Bonaire+buen+aire&pg=PA758#v=snippet&q=Bonaire%20buen%20aire&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==

[[File:RINCON OPEN AIR MUSEUM, BONAIRE.jpg|thumb|Traditional old houses with [[Cactus fence|cactus fences]], preserved in the outdoor museum of [[Rincon, Bonaire]]]]

===Original inhabitants===
The earliest evidence of human habitation on the islands is from the [[Archaic period (North America)|Archaic period]]; archaeological evidence suggests the people lived in family-based groups of approximately 100 and were [[semi-nomadic]] [[hunter-gatherer]]s and [[fishing|fisher]]s. Of the islands, Curaçao appears to have been settled first, approximately 4500&nbsp;[[Before Present|BP]] (2550&nbsp;BC). The earliest evidence of human habitation in Bonaire is at Lagun and dates to approximately 3400&nbsp;BP (1450&nbsp;BC); Curaçao appears to have become temporarily uninhabited in the same period, around 3500&nbsp;BP (1560&nbsp;BC).<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Jay B. |last=Haviser |title=Prehistoric Cultural Developments on Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles |journal=Proceedings of the 14th Congress |publisher=International Association for Caribbean Archaeology|year=1993 |url=https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/06/19/61/00495/14-20.pdf |pages=237–38}}</ref> The [[Caquetío]] Indians, speakers of an [[Arawakan languages|Arawakan]] language, arrived in the islands from South America around 500&nbsp;AD.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1163/ej.9789004183957.i-228.49 |chapter=Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire |title=Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 1: Conservation Biology and the Wider Caribbean |date=2011 |pages=145–59 |isbn=978-90-04-19407-6 |first1=Gerard |last1=Van Buurt |editor1-first=Adrian |editor1-last=Hailey |editor2-first=Byron S. |editor2-last=Wilson |editor3-first=Julia A. |editor3-last=Horrocks }}</ref> Archaeological remains of the Caquetío culture have been found at sites northeast of Kralendijk and near [[Lac Bay]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-05 |title=Dutch Caribbean Island Paradise on the ABC Islands- Bonaire |url=https://getfamilyholidays.wordpress.com/2014/05/05/dutch-caribbean-island-paradise-on-the-abc-islands-bonaire/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Family Holidays |language=es}}</ref> Caquetío rock paintings and [[petroglyph]]s are preserved in caves at Spelonk, Onima, Ceru Pungi and Ceru Crita-Cabai.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020|reason= primary or secondary source needed}} The Caquetíos apparently appeared very tall to the first Spaniards encountering them, for the Spanish name for the [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC islands]] was ''las Islas de los Gigantes'', 'the islands of the giants'.<ref name="Helm" /> Remnants of Bonaire's indigenous population can be seen in some of the island's current inhabitants.

=== Spanish period ===
{{Main|Spanish West Indies}}
In 1499, [[Alonso de Ojeda]] arrived in [[Curaçao]] and a neighbouring island that was almost certainly Bonaire.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Ojeda was accompanied by [[Amerigo Vespucci]] and [[Juan de la Cosa]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} De La Cosa's [[Mappa Mundi]] of 1500 shows Bonaire and calls it ''Isla do Palo Brasil'' or "Island of [[Brazilwood]]".{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The Spanish decided that the three [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC Islands]] were useless because they did not have known metal deposits, and in 1515 the Caquetío were enslaved to work in the copper mines of [[Santo Domingo]] on the island of [[Hispaniola]]; the total number may have been between 500 and 2,000.<ref name="Lopez 1996">{{cite journal |last1=Lopez |first1=Barry |title=Searching for Depth in Bonaire |journal=The Georgia Review |date=1996 |volume=50 |issue=3 |pages=545–558 |jstor=41401267 }}</ref><ref name="Helm" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Anderson-Córdova |first1=Karen F. |title=Surviving Spanish Conquest: Indian Fight, Flight, and Cultural Transformation in Hispaniola and Puerto Rico |date=2017 |publisher=The University of Alabama Press |isbn=978-0-8173-9090-7 |chapter=The Voluntary and Forced Movement of Indians among the Islands and the Mainland |pages=120–149 [137] |id={{Project MUSE|1950702|type=chapter}} }}</ref>

Spain colonized Bonaire since 1499 for a period of approximately one century. Likewise, one of the oldest references to the name of the island is found in the archive of the Main Public Registry of the city of Caracas (Venezuela). A document dated December 9, 1595, specifies that Don Francisco Montesinos, Curate and Vicar of "las Yslas de Curasao, Aruba y Bonaire" conferred a power of attorney to Pedro Gutiérrez de Lugo, resident in Caracas, to collect from the Royal Treasury of His Catholic Majesty Don Felipe II, the salary that corresponded to him for his office as priest and vicar of the islands.

[[File:OLD FORT ORANJE, KRALENDIJK.jpg|thumb|upright|Fort Oranje in Kralendijk, built in 1639]]
In 1526, [[Juan Martínez de Ampiés]] was appointed Spanish commander of the [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC Islands]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} He brought back some of the original Caquetio Indian inhabitants to Bonaire and Curaçao. Ampies also imported domesticated animals from [[Spain]], including cows, donkeys, goats, horses, pigs and sheep. The Spaniards thought that Bonaire could be used as a cattle plantation worked by natives. The cattle were raised for hides rather than meat. The Spanish inhabitants lived mostly in the inland town of [[Rincon, Bonaire|Rincon]] as its geography made it relatively safe from pirate attacks .<ref name="Helm" />

===Dutch period===
{{Main|Dutch Caribbean}}

The [[Dutch West India Company]] was founded in 1602. Starting in 1623, ships of the West India Company called at Bonaire to obtain meat, water and wood. The Dutch also abandoned some Spanish and Portuguese prisoners there, and these people founded the town of [[Antriol]], which is a contraction of Spanish ''al interior'' (English: ''inside''). The Dutch and the Spanish fought from 1568 to 1648 in what is now known as the [[Eighty Years War]]. In 1633, the Dutch{{Snd}} having lost the island of [[St. Maarten]] to the Spanish{{Snd}} retaliated by attacking Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba. Bonaire was conquered in March 1636. The Dutch built Fort Oranje in 1639.<ref>[[:nl:Fort Oranje (Bonaire)]]{{Circular reference|date=March 2019}}</ref>

While Curaçao emerged as a centre of the [[History of slavery|slave trade]], Bonaire became a plantation of the Dutch West India Company. [[edible salt|Salt]] became a major export product of the island; a small number of African slaves were put to work alongside Indians and convicts, cultivating dyewood and maize and harvesting solar salt around Blue Pan.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kennedy |first1=Cynthia M. |title=The Other White Gold: Salt, Slaves, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and British Colonialism |journal=The Historian |date=2007 |volume=69 |issue=2 |page=218 |doi=10.1111/j.1540-6563.2007.00178.x |jstor=24453659 |s2cid=144807834 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Misevich |first1=Phil |last2=Mann |first2=Kristin |last3=Silva |first3=Daniel B. Domingues da |last4=Richardson |first4=David |last5=Vos |first5=Jelmer |last6=Mann |first6=Kristin |title=The Rise and Demise of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Atlantic World |date=2016 |publisher=University of Rochester Press |isbn=978-1-78204-656-1 |page=76 |id={{Project MUSE|83663|type=book}} }}</ref> Slave quarters, built entirely of stone and too short for a man to stand upright in, still stand in the area around Rincon and along the salt pans. The slave population grew in the 1710s when a famine and social unrest on Curaçao caused the Dutch to relocate a large number of slaves to Bonaire.<ref name="van Welie 2008">{{cite journal |last1=van Welie |first1=Rik |title=Slave trading and slavery in the Dutch colonial empire: A global comparison |journal=New West Indian Guide / Nieuwe West-Indische Gids |date=2008 |volume=82 |issue=1–2 |pages=47–96 |doi=10.1163/13822373-90002465 |jstor=43390702 |s2cid=128869753 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island outside of colonial administration; its use increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>''Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd''. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers</ref> Students on Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire were taught predominantly in Spanish until the late 18th century when the British took Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire; the teaching of Spanish was restored when Dutch rule resumed in 1815.

During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], the Netherlands lost control of Bonaire twice, once from 1800 to 1803, and again from 1807 to 1816.<ref name="van Welie 2008" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/bonaire.htm |title=The Map Room: Caribbean: Bonaire |publisher=British Empire |access-date=10 October 2010 |archive-date=6 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006075743/http://britishempire.co.uk/maproom/bonaire.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> During these intervals, the British had control of the neighbouring island of [[Curaçao]] and of Bonaire. The [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC islands]] were returned to the Netherlands under the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814]]. During the period of British rule, a large number of white traders settled on Bonaire, and built the settlement of Playa ([[Kralendijk]]) in 1810.

==== Emancipation ====

From 1816 until 1868, Bonaire remained a government plantation. In 1825, there were about 300 government-owned slaves on the island. Gradually many of the slaves were freed and became freemen with an obligation to render some services to the government. The remaining slaves were freed on 30 September 1862 under the Emancipation Regulation. A total of 607 government slaves and 151 private slaves were freed at that time.<ref name="Helm" />
[[File:Bonaire Red Slave Huts.jpg|thumb|Slave huts]]

====World War II====
During the [[German occupation of the Netherlands]] during World War II, Bonaire was a protectorate of Britain and the United States. The American army built the [[Flamingo International Airport|Flamingo Airport]] as an air force base. After Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, authorities declared [[martial law]], and many German and Austrian citizens, as well as Dutch thought to be German sympathizers, were interned in a camp on Bonaire.<ref>{{cite book |last1=van der Horst |first1=Liesbeth |title=Wereldoorlog in de West: Suriname, de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba, 1940-1945 |date=2004 |publisher=Verloren |location=Hilversum |isbn=978-90-6550-794-5 |pages=69–74 |language=nl}}</ref> Some of these remained in this camp for the war's duration, and others were transferred to new camps built on the mainland in the first year of the war.<ref>{{Cite news | author = Anonymous | title = Imprisoned Innocents | url = http://bonairereporter.com/news/007PDFs/06-15-07.pdf | publisher = Bonaire Reporter | page = 7 | date = 15 June 2007 | access-date = 19 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708082341/http://bonairereporter.com/news/007PDFs/06-15-07.pdf | archive-date = 8 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Sint Jago |first=Junnes E. |title=Wuiven vanaf de waranda |year=2007 |publisher=Gopher |location=Utrecht |language=nl |isbn=978-90-5179-496-0 |oclc=150262823}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Captain |first1=Esther |title=Oorlogserfgoed overzee: de erfenis van de Tweede Wereldoorlog in Aruba, Curaçao, Indonesië en Suriname |date=2010 |publisher=Bakker |location=Amsterdam |isbn=978-90-351-3584-0 |language=nl |chapter=De interneringen in Suriname en de Nederlandse Antillen}}</ref> In 1944, [[Princess Juliana of the Netherlands|Princess Juliana]] and [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] visited the troops on Bonaire.<ref name="Helm" />

Bonairean sailors made an above-average contribution during World War II. German U-boats tried to eliminate shipping around the Aruba and Curaçao refineries and thus eliminate the island's considerable fuel production for the Allies. Bonairean-crewed ships also took part in these battles. Among the many missing after the war, were the 34 Bonaireans who died on these ships (more than on the other islands of the then Dutch West Indies). During hostilities, the site where the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino now stands served as an internment camp for Germans and Austrians living in the Antilles, mainly because they were distrusted. There were fears they could have sabotaged the giant oil refineries on Aruba and Curaçao that were supplying paraffin to the Allied air fleet.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The camp was in operation from 1940 to 1947. In total, 461 people were interned during this period without trial, most of them completely innocent. Among them were Medardo de Marchena and also the photographer Fred Fischer, then still an Austrian citizen. Many German internees had just fled Nazi violence. But there were also German prisoners of war, some of whom remained after the war. In September 1943, the father of [[George Maduro]], after whom Madurodam is named, asked Queen Wilhelmina to exchange his son for the German internees on Bonaire. The government did not grant the request. After the war, the empty barracks became Bonaire's first hotel: Zeebad.
[[File:Aankomst van het koninklijk paar op het vliegveld van Bonaire, Bestanddeelnr 252-3827.jpg|thumb|Royal visit of [[Queen Juliana]] and [[Prince Bernhard]] in 1955]]

====Post-war====
After the war, the economy of Bonaire continued to develop. The airport was converted to civilian use and the former internment camp was converted to become the first hotel on Bonaire.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.divibonaire.com/ | title = Divi Flamingo Beach Resort Bonaire | access-date = 19 February 2009 | archive-date = 1 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200601090944/https://divibonaire.com/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The Dutchman [[Pierre Schunck]] started a clothing factory known as [[Schunck's Kledingindustrie Bonaire]], a partial solution for the large female surplus on the island. In 1964, [[Trans World Radio]] began broadcasting from Bonaire. [[Radio Netherlands Worldwide]] built two shortwave transmitters on Bonaire in 1969. The second major hotel (Bonaire Beach Hotel)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/sunset/sunhot.htm | title = Bonaire Beach Hotel | access-date = 19 February 2009 | archive-date = 4 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052216/http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/sunset/sunhot.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> was completed in 1962. Salt production resumed in 1966 when the salt pans were expanded and modernized by the Antilles International Salt Company, a subsidiary of the International Salt Company. Part of the facilities extend into the Caribbean Sea and form the popular dive site known as Salt Pier.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cargillsalt.com/ | title = Cargill Salt Company | access-date = 19 February 2009 | archive-date = 21 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090221043625/http://www.cargillsalt.com/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The Bonaire Petroleum Corporation (BOPEC) oil terminal was opened in 1975 for trans-shipping oil.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rocargo.com/Bopec.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070301191150/http://www.rocargo.com/Bopec.html | archive-date = 2007-03-01 | title = Bonaire Petroleum Company | access-date = 19 February 2009}}</ref>
Politically Bonaire formed part of the [[Netherlands Antilles]] from 1954 to 2010; it is now a special municipality within the Netherlands.<ref name="WOLBES" /> In 2011 the island officially adopted the US dollar as its currency.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2010/05/18/introduction-of-the-dollar-on-bonaire-saint-eustace-saba |title=Introduction of the dollar on Bonaire, Saint Eustace, Saba |date=18 May 2010 |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626202050/https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2010/05/18/introduction-of-the-dollar-on-bonaire-saint-eustace-saba |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles===

On 10 October 2010, the [[Netherlands Antilles]] was [[Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles|dissolved]]. As a result, the government of the Netherlands assumed the task of public administration of the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] or BES Islands comprising Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba. The three islands acquired new status as "special municipalities" (''bijzondere gemeenten''), making them part of the Netherlands itself, a form of "public body" (''openbaar lichaam'') as outlined in article 134 of the Dutch Constitution. Special municipalities do not constitute part of a province.

As a special municipality, Bonaire is very much like ordinary Dutch municipalities in that it has a mayor, [[aldermen]] and a [[municipal council]], and is governed according to most Dutch laws. Antillean legislation remained in force after 10 October 2010, with the exception of those cases where Antillean law was replaced by Bonaire's municipal law. It was believed best for the island to not introduce the entire body of Dutch legislation at one time as it would cause confusion. Therefore, Dutch legislation is being introduced in stages. Bonaire retained its own unique culture while residents enjoy the same rights as Dutch citizens, including the right to vote in Dutch parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. Residents also have access to new or improved facilities and government benefits including, but not limited to, [[universal health care]]; improved health care facilities; better educational facilities with additional training for teachers, new teaching methods and new school buildings; social housing for low-income individuals and families; a centrally dispatched single police force, fire department and ambulance service.<ref name="GovernmentNL" /> While the three islands are considered to be land of the Netherlands, they are not a part of the [[European Union]], therefore not subject to European Union Law. They are considered to be an [[Overseas Countries and Territories|overseas country and territory]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba|url=http://ds-lands.com/bonaire-saint-eustatius-and-saba/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228104614/http://ds-lands.com/bonaire-saint-eustatius-and-saba/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 28, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2014|publisher=DS World's Lands}}</ref>

Bonaire's non-governmental organization, ''Nos Ke Boneiru Bèk'' ("We Want Bonaire Back"), is against the current constitutional relationship with the Netherlands. With reference to Bonaire's 2004 referendum, the organization is of the opinion that such an arrangement was never the choice of the people. The Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, [[Ronald Plasterk]], replied to the organization confirming that only the "Island Councils in the Caribbean Netherlands have the authority to decide on holding a constitutional referendum, not the Dutch government." In response, the organization gathered more than 3,500 signatures in 2013 favouring a new referendum. In a letter to minister Plasterk, James Finies, chairman of Nos Ke Boneiru Bèk, requested a "new referendum under the right of self-determination". Plasterk responded by advising Finies that preparations for the evaluation of the public entity structure had begun for 2015, but a "possible change of the constitutional relations is not part of that evaluation".<ref>{{cite web|date=August 18, 2014|title=Dutch Minister Plasterk: Constitutional Referendum BES is Island Affair|url=http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/dutch-minister-plasterk-consitutional-referendum-bes-island-affair/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211024150/http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/dutch-minister-plasterk-consitutional-referendum-bes-island-affair/|archive-date=2014-12-11|access-date=December 7, 2014|work=Government News|publisher=Bearing Point Caribbean}}</ref> The [[Bonaire status referendum, 2015|new referendum]] took place on 18 December 2015.<ref>[http://www.bonairegov.nl/sites/default/files/uploads/2015010717.pdf Referendum bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223042333/http://www.bonairegov.nl/sites/default/files/uploads/2015010717.pdf |date=2015-12-23 }}, government of Bonaire, 9 October 2015</ref> 65% of the turnout voted that they were not happy with the current relationship between Bonaire and the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Posthumus|first1=Niels|date=19 December 2015|title=Bonaire stemt tegen huidige band met Nederland|url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2015/12/19/bonaire-stemt-tegen-huidige-band-met-nederland|access-date=13 March 2016|newspaper=NRC|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091329/http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2015/12/19/bonaire-stemt-tegen-huidige-band-met-nederland|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/24458-the-conference-on-the-political-future-of-the-dutch-administered-caribbean-having-met-at-bonaire-west-indies-on-1st-december-2016.html The Conference on the Political Future of the Dutch-Administered Caribbean, Having met at Bonaire, West Indies on 1st December 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326062936/https://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/24458-the-conference-on-the-political-future-of-the-dutch-administered-caribbean-having-met-at-bonaire-west-indies-on-1st-december-2016.html |date=2019-03-26 }}, St. Martin News Network, 15 December 2016</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Bonaire2021OSM.png|thumb|left|Enlargeable, detailed map of Bonaire]]
[[File:Bonaire highres.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of Bonaire and the small island of [[Klein Bonaire]]]]
[[File:Bonaire - Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië-Antilles part 1, left.gif|thumb|Map of Bonaire, 1914–1917]]Bonaire lies about {{convert|80|km}} off the coast of Venezuela.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Morse |first=Kimberly J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=auTNEAAAQBAJ&dq=bonaire+50+miles+venezuela&pg=PT494 |title=The Americas: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society [2 volumes] |date=2022-08-23 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=979-8-216-04766-7 |language=en}}</ref> The island has a land area of {{convert|288|km2|abbr=on}}, with an additional {{convert|6|km2|abbr=on}} added by [[Klein Bonaire]], a small uninhabited island off its west coast.<ref name=":9" />

The northern end of Bonaire is relatively mountainous, although its highest peak, [[Brandaris, Bonaire|Mount Brandaris]], is only {{convert|240|m|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Office |first=United States Hydrographic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wXzVAAAAMAAJ&dq=bonaire+50+miles+venezuela&pg=PA561 |title=Naval Air Pilot: West Indies Including Bermuda, Bahama Islands, the North Coast of Colombia and Venezuela |date=1940 |publisher=Hydrographic Office under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy |language=en}}</ref> The southern part of the island is nearly flat and barely rises above sea level.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last1=Wells |first1=Jeffrey V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lk4zDwAAQBAJ&q=%22klein%20bonaire%22 |title=Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao: A Site and Field Guide |last2=Wells |first2=Allison Childs |last3=Dean |first3=Robert |date=2017-06-15 |publisher=Cornell University Press |isbn=978-1-5017-1286-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=de Bakker |first1=Didier M. |last2=van Duyl |first2=Fleur C. |last3=Perry |first3=Chris T. |last4=Meesters |first4=Erik H. |date=2019 |title=Extreme spatial heterogeneity in carbonate accretion potential on a Caribbean fringing reef linked to local human disturbance gradients |journal=Global Change Biology |language=en |volume=25 |issue=12 |pages=4092–4104 |doi=10.1111/gcb.14800 |issn=1354-1013 |pmc=6899606 |pmid=31566878|bibcode=2019GCBio..25.4092B }}</ref> A significant portion of this southern region is covered with sea water in process of evaporation for salt production.<ref name=":6" /> This area also contains [[Lac Bay]] with its large mangrove forest. The shoreline of Bonaire is dotted with [[Lagoon|lagoons]] and [[Inlet|inlets]], the largest of which is [[Goto Lake]] in the north. These lagoons and [[Wetland|wetlands]] provide an excellent habitat for a wide variety of shorebirds.<ref name="infobonaire.com" />

While Bonaire has some hills and variations in altitude, Klein Bonaire's surface is quite level and just about two meters above sea level.<ref name=":5" /> Because Klein Bonaire is as yet undeveloped, the [[Fringing reef|fringing reef system]] surrounding Klein Bonaire is pristine.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Protecting the Reefs of Klein Bonaire |url=https://www.scubadiving.com/protecting-reefs-klein-bonaire |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Scuba Diving Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

=== Geology ===
{{Main articles|Geology of Bonaire}}
Geologists believe that Bonaire and the other ABC islands were formed about 90 million years ago.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Micallef |first=Joseph V. |title=The Surprising Story Of Bonaire's Salt Pyramids |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/04/18/the-surprising-story-of-bonaires-salt-pyramids/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> As the [[Caribbean Plate|Caribbean plate]] collided with the [[South America|South American]] [[Plate tectonics|plate]], it forced a large mass of rock to the ocean surface and created the [[Leeward Antilles Ridge]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Hippolyte |first1=Jean-Claude |last2=Mann |first2=Paul |date=2011-01-01 |title=Neogene–Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Leeward Antilles islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) from fault kinematic analysis |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264817209001214 |journal=Marine and Petroleum Geology |series=Thematic Set on: Tectonics, basinal framework, and petroleum systems of eastern Venezuela, the Leeward Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, and offshore areas |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=259–277 |doi=10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2009.06.010 |bibcode=2011MarPG..28..259H |issn=0264-8172|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The islands of Bonaire, Aruba, and Curaçao were formed along this ridge.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lorscheid |first1=Thomas |last2=Felis |first2=Thomas |last3=Stocchi |first3=Paolo |last4=Obert |first4=J. Christina |last5=Scholz |first5=Denis |last6=Rovere |first6=Alessio |date=2017-11-24 |title=Tides in the Last Interglacial: insights from notch geometry and palaeo tidal models in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=7 |issue=1 |page=16241 |doi=10.1038/s41598-017-16285-6 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=5701235 |pmid=29176722|bibcode=2017NatSR...716241L }}</ref> As such, Bonaire lies within the Caribbean–South America [[Plate tectonics|plate boundary zone]].<ref name=":0" /> Some geologists place Bonaire's location on the South American [[continental shelf]];<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Lallemant |first1=Hans G. Avé |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IjxEfjiu8-0C&q=bonaire |title=Caribbean-South American Plate Interactions, Venezuela |last2=Sisson |first2=Virginia Baker |date=2005-01-01 |publisher=Geological Society of America |isbn=978-0-8137-2394-5 |language=en}}</ref> while others place the island's location on or above the Caribbean plate.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2007 |title=Cenozoic Kinematics and Dynamics of Oblique Collision Between two Convergent Plate Margins: The Caribbean-South America Collision in Eastern Venezuela, Trinidad and Barbados |url=http://www.tectonicanalysis.com/site/downloads/Pindell07_SE_Caribbean.pdf |journal=Transactions of GCSSEPM 27th Annual Bob F. Perkins Research Conference |pages=458–553 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922004813/http://www.tectonicanalysis.com/site/downloads/Pindell07_SE_Caribbean.pdf |archive-date=2017-09-22 |access-date=2024-08-22 }}</ref>

The island is essentially coral that has been geologically pushed up and out of the sea.<ref name=":4" /> As the seabed rose upwards a vast [[coral reef]] grew on what is now dry land.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last=Alexander |first=Charles S. |date=1961 |title=The Marine Terraces of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles |journal=Annals of the Association of American Geographers |volume=51 |issue=1 |pages=102–123 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-8306.1961.tb00370.x |jstor=2561371 |issn=0004-5608}}</ref> These corals were eventually exposed to air and perished, becoming surface [[Limestone|limestone deposits]] over the millennia.<ref name=":12" /> As a result, reef limestone covers a large part of the Bonaire today,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Caribbean Netherlands |url=https://www.geologischedienst.nl/en/about-gdn/caribbean-netherlands/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Geological Survey of the Netherlands |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as the natural [[fringing reef]] system, in which the coral formations start at the shoreline. Tidal variations are only about {{convert|1.8|-|2.0|ft|order=flip|round=5|cm}},{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} so the corals start at the [[Tidal range|low tide line]] and continue on, following the underwater [[topography]] of the island's base. Bonaire's [[Tide|tides]] are more affected by a combination of wind and low/high-[[Pressure system|pressure systems]] than by the moon.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Due to its history, the geology of Bonaire is dominated by gently dipping [[Carbonate rock|carbonate rocks]] ranging in age from [[Cretaceous]] (≈90-100 million years ago (Ma)) to [[Miocene]] (≈5 Ma), which lie unconformably on a [[Cretaceous|pre-Cretaceous]] [[Igneous basement Rock|igneous basement]]. Where the unconformity corresponds with [[Erosion and tectonics|sea-level erosion]], caves are common.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve Update |url=https://dcnanature.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BioNews25-BonaireCaves.pdf |website=Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance |type=}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Bonaire has a warm, dry (though humid) and windy climate. The average temperature is {{convert|81.5|F|C|order=flip}} with a {{cvt|2.5|F-change|order=flip}} seasonal variation and {{cvt|10|F-change|order=flip}} daily variation. The highest recorded temperature is {{cvt|96.4|F|C|order=flip}} and the lowest, {{cvt|67.6|F|C|order=flip}}. The ocean temperature around the island fluctuates between {{convert|78|and|86|F|C|order=flip}}. Nearly constant winds blow from the east with an average speed of {{cvt|12|kn|km/h mph|order=out}}.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> The humidity is very constant, averaging 76% and fluctuating between 85% and 66% on a daily basis. This semi-arid climate is conducive to a variety of cacti and other desert plants.

Average annual rainfall is {{cvt|20.5|in|mm|order=flip}}, most of which occurs in October through January.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Bonaire lies outside the [[Main Development Region]] for Atlantic [[tropical cyclone]] activity, though the island is occasionally affected by hurricanes and tropical storms.

===Ecology===
[[File:Rock Hind.jpg|thumb|Rock hind in Bonaire]]
Bonaire is fringed by a [[coral reef]] which is accessible to divers from the shore along the [[lee side]] of the island (facing west-southwest). The entire coastline of the island was designated a [[marine sanctuary]] in 1979, an effort to preserve and protect the delicate coral reef and the marine life that depends on it. There are more than 350 species of fish<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-diving|title=Bonaire divers paradise - Diving - Bonaire Official Tourism Site|website=www.tourismbonaire.com|access-date=2021-05-13|archive-date=2022-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529120532/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-diving|url-status=live}}</ref> and sixty species of coral living in Bonaire's reef.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmp.org/index-2.html#ecosystems|title=STINAPA{{Snd}} Bonaire National Marine Park|access-date=2015-10-09|archive-date=2022-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401045409/http://www.bmp.org/index-2.html#ecosystems|url-status=live}}</ref> Boulder Star Coral (''[[Montastraea annularis]]'') is the most common coral, according to a 2011 survey.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jekielek, P |title=A 'BLAGRRA' Assessment of Coral Bleaching and Disease in Bonaire |journal=In: Pollock NW, ed. Diving for Science 2011. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 30th Symposium. Dauphin Island, AL: AAUS; 2011. |year=2011 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10131 |access-date=16 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523175110/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/10131 |archive-date=23 May 2013 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> In 2011, biologists discovered a new species of jellyfish in Bonaire, the highly venomous [[Tamoya ohboya|Bonaire banded box jellyfish]] (''Tamoya ohboya'').

Bonaire is also famed for its [[flamingo]] populations and its [[donkey]] sanctuary. Flamingos are drawn to the brackish water of the island's lagoons, which harbor the shrimp upon which they feed. Bonaire is home to one of only four nesting grounds for the Caribbean flamingo. Located in the Pekelmeer in the southern part of the island, no human entry is permitted in this sanctuary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dcnanature.org/caribbean-flamingo-2/|title=Caribbean Flamingo|access-date=2015-04-23|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225123408/https://www.dcnanature.org/caribbean-flamingo-2/}}</ref> In the 16th century, Europeans introduced [[sheep]], [[goat]]s, pigs, [[horse]]s and donkeys on Bonaire, and the descendants of the donkeys, goats, and pigs roam the island today.

Bonaire is also home to the ecologically vulnerable [[yellow-shouldered amazon]] parrot, ''Amazona barbadensis''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rivera-Milán |first1=Frank F. |last2=Simal |first2=Fernando |last3=Bertuol |first3=Paulo |last4=Boomer |first4=G. Scott |title=Population monitoring and modelling of yellow-shouldered parrot on Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands |journal=Wildlife Biology |date=January 2018 |volume=2018 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.2981/wlb.00384 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Environmental initiatives===
[[File:Wild Donkeys Bonaire (339370349).jpg|thumb|A donkey colony]]The island of Bonaire has long been a leader in nature conservation and ecological responsibility. [[STINAPA Bonaire|Bonaire's National Park Foundation]] (''Stichting Nationale Parken'' or STINAPA),<ref name=":10" /> was founded in 1962 for the purpose of actively protecting nature on the island.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://stinapabonaire.org/organization/history/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=STINAPA Bonaire National Parks Foundation |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernat |first=Susan |title=The Promise of Bonaire |url=https://oberlinreview.org/20951/specialissue20/earth-day-50/specialissue20-commentary/the-promise-of-bonaire/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=The Oberlin Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wues |first=Patricia |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Bonaire: The World's First Blue Destination |url=https://www.scubadiving.com/bonaire-worlds-first-blue-destination |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Scuba Diving Magazine |language=en}}</ref> In 1969 STINAPA succeeded in establishing both the flamingo nesting sanctuary and Washington National Park, the first such nature preserves in the [[Netherlands Antilles]].<ref name=":8" /> In 1979, the Slagbaai plantation was added to the park, now known as [[Washington Slagbaai National Park]] (WSNP).<ref name=":8" /> The Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) was also established in 1979.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stinapa.org/history.html|title=STINAPA Bonaire{{Snd}} National Parks Foundation|access-date=2015-10-09|archive-date=2016-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403015154/http://www.stinapa.org/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Marine Park consists of the whole coastline of Bonaire from the high-water mark down to a depth of {{convert|200|ft}} and includes a large mangrove forest in Lac Bay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmp.org/index.html|title=STINAPA{{Snd}} Bonaire National Marine Park|access-date=2015-10-09|archive-date=2022-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401045414/http://www.bmp.org/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Lac Bay]], [[Klein Bonaire]], [[Pelkermeer Saltworks|Pelkermeer]], Slagbaai and Gotomeer are recognized as wetlands of international significance under the [[Ramsar Convention]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmp.org/ramsar.html|title=STINAPA{{Snd}} Bonaire National Marine Park|access-date=2015-10-09|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184532/http://www.bmp.org/ramsar.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Due to a public-private sector partnership, programs are being developed to advance the local awareness and attitudes toward conservation and habitat preservation in order to proactively protect Bonaire's ecosystem. A new sewage treatment plant will contribute to protecting the reefs and the seawater quality. In 2013 Selibon,<ref name=BONHATA>{{Cite web|url=https://ilovebonaire.com/bonaire/en/services/other/selibon-nv|publisher=BONHATA|title=Welcome—Bon bini|access-date=2019-02-05|archive-date=2020-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727021427/https://ilovebonaire.com/bonaire/en/services/other/selibon-nv|url-status=usurped}}</ref> the national garbage-processing plant, opened an the Plaza Medio Ambiente recycling center, where the general public can bring glass, cans, paper, scrap metal, cardboard, batteries, motor oil, cooking oil, electronics, mobile phones and textiles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021 |title=Selibon really does recycle |url=https://bonairereporter.com/back_issues/2021/202102.pdf |work=The Bonaire Reporter |volume=28 |issue=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergwijn |first=Patricia |date=2019-10-31 |title=Realistically modernizing Selibon |url=https://entrepreneurcaribbean.com/2019/10/31/bonaire-realistically-modernizing-selibon/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Entrepreneur Caribbean |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014 |title=Selibon's 20 Years - Making Cleanup History |url=https://bonairereporter.com/back_issues/2014/201417.pdf |volume=21 |issue=17}}</ref>

The island is environmentally aware and protective of its coral reefs, the diversity of its aquatic ecosystems, and the conservation of its many species and natural environments above and below the water. The island's government, businesses and residents are committed to recycling waste products, and making others aware of the importance and benefits.<ref name=BONHATA/> Divers and dive shops take part in collecting debris washed ashore and preparing it for recycling.<ref name=BONHATA/>

Bonaire gets a significant amount of its electricity from an array of twelve wind generators along its northeastern coastline which began operating in 2010. This renewable source now fills 40–45% of the island's electricity needs. Work continues in developing additional renewable sources of energy, including bio-diesel and solar, with the goal of becoming 100% reliant on renewables.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bunker|first1=Kaitlyn|title=Caribbean Island Says Goodbye Fossil Fuels, Hello 100% Renewable Electricity|url=http://ecowatch.com/2015/01/07/bonaire-goodbye-diesel-hello-renewable-energy/|access-date=23 March 2015|date=2015-01-07|archive-date=2015-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324032337/http://ecowatch.com/2015/01/07/bonaire-goodbye-diesel-hello-renewable-energy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/region/solar-pilot-project-at-barcadera-bonaire/|title=Solar pilot project at Barcadera Bonaire{{Snd}} Curaçao Chronicle|website=curacaochronicle.com|date=2014-01-20|access-date=2015-04-23|archive-date=2015-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610131903/http://curacaochronicle.com/region/solar-pilot-project-at-barcadera-bonaire/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Washington Slagbaai National Park ===
[[File:GENERAL VIEW OF THE PARK FROM MALMOK LIGHTHOUSE.jpg|thumb|Washington Slagbaai National Park]]
[[Washington Slagbaai National Park]] is an ecological preserve on the northern tip of the island. The 6,000-hectare park was established in 1969 as the first nature park in the Netherlands Antilles. It is home to a wide variety of habitats, such as the bocas (inlets), dunes on the north coast, salt pans, pos (springs) and mountain areas.

The park is rich in birds and other animals, especially lizards, including iguanas. Within the park there are two areas recognised internationally as important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention: the Slagbaai salt marsh and Lake Gotom. The park is also of great cultural-historical importance, not least because of the plantations and the history of Slagbaai.

At the entrance to the park is the Bonaire Museum. From the entrance there are several signposted walks. The park is easily accessible by car and mountain bikers are also welcome. The highest point of Bonaire, [[Mount Brandaris]], is {{convert|240|m|abbr=on}} tall and is located within this preserve. It has a complete view of the island.

=== Dos Pos ===
{{Main articles|Dos Pos, Bonaire, Important Bird Area}}
Adjacent to Washington Slagbaai National Park, Dos Pos is the former location of a planation. Dos Pos has been identified by [[BirdLife International]] as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dos Pos, Bonaire (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (to Netherlands)) IBA {{!}} Summary {{!}} BirdLife International |url=https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/dos-pos-bonaire-iba-bonaire-sint-eustatius-and-saba-(to-netherlands) |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=datazone.birdlife.org}}</ref> because it supports populations of several [[threatened]] or restricted-range bird species. The landscape is one of small hills and sheltered valleys with remnant fruit trees, mainly mangoes, and a small ephemeral pond.

=== Washikemba–Fontein–Onima Important Bird Area ===
{{Main articles|Washikemba–Fontein–Onima Important Bird Area}}
Located along the North-Eastern coast of the island, this 5,959 ha strip of land has also been identified as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washikemba-Fontein-Onima, Bonaire IBA {{!}} Summary {{!}} BirdLife International |url=https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/washikemba--fontein--onima-bonaire-iba-bonaire-sint-eustatius-and-saba-(to-netherlands) |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=datazone.birdlife.org}}</ref> by [[Birdlife International]] because it supports populations of several threatened or restricted-range bird species. The landscape includes three freshwater reservoirs as well as scrubland and some introduced fruit trees.

=== Bonaire National Marine Park ===
{{Main articles|Bonaire National Marine Park}}
The Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is a legally protected [[Marine park|underwater park]] surrounding the entire islands of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. The park was established in 1979 with the support of the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]] and others, and is managed by STINAPA.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":8" /> There are more than 80 dive sites in the marine park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diving |url=https://stinapabonaire.org/rules-and-regulations/diving/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222050802/https://stinapabonaire.org/rules-and-regulations/diving/ |archive-date=2024-02-22 |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=STINAPA Bonaire National Parks Foundation |language=en}}</ref>

=== Klein Bonaire ===
{{Main articles|Klein Bonaire}}

[[File:Klein Bonaire Strand (34769026072).jpg|thumb|Coast of Klein Bonaire]]
Klein Bonaire (Dutch for "Little Bonaire") is an islet located off the western coast Bonaire, about a 0.5 mile from Kralendijk.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Klein Bonaire: #4 in Best Things To Do in Bonaire |url=https://travel.usnews.com/Bonaire/Things_To_Do/Klein_Bonaire_62773/ |work=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-10-21 |title=Klein Bonaire Snorkeling {{!}} Bonaire |url=https://www.snorkelingdives.com/?id=22994 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Snorkling Dives |language=en}}</ref> The small island is 700 hectares (2.7 sq miles) in size.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Westermann |first1=Jan Hugo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UX9DAQAAIAAJ&q=700 |title=Photo-geological Observations and Land Capability & Land Use Survey of the Island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles |last2=Zonneveld |first2=J. I. S. |date=1956 |publisher=Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen |language=en}}</ref> The island is accessible by boat for divers, snorkelers, and [[Day trip|day-trippers]].

The island is completely flat<ref name=":5" /> and covered with bushes, cacti, and small trees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alliance |first=Dutch Caribbean Nature |date=2013-08-27 |title=Reforestation Klein Curacao and Klein Bonaire Successful |url=https://dcnanature.org/reforestation-klein-curacao-and-klein-bonaire-successful/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=DCNA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Application Form for Area of Importance for Bat Conservation (AICOM) Kleine Bonaire |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/resource/2794 |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database}}</ref> There are at least 76 species of plants and about 55 species of animals on the island.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} The island is an important location for [[Bat|bats]], [[Sea turtle|sea turtles]], and [[Flamingo|flamingos]]. ''[[Southern long-nosed bat|Leptonycteris curasoae]]'' rely on Klein Bonaire for sources of [[nectar]].<ref name=":14" /> Sea turtles rely on Klein Bonaire's beaches for nesting, especially those on the northeast side.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Bonaire's Sea Turtles |url=https://www.bonaireturtles.org/wp/explore/bonaires-sea-turtles/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire |language=en-US}}</ref> Flamingos rely on Klein Bonaire's salt pans, where they feed.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands: RIS for Site no. 201, Klein Bonaire, Netherlands |url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/RISapp/files/RISrep/NL201RIS_2109_en.pdf |website=Ramsar |publisher=}}</ref> (Bonaire has one of the largest flamingo populations in the world).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Torres-Cristiani |first1=Leopoldo |last2=Machkour-M'Rabet |first2=Salima |last3=Calmé |first3=Sophie |last4=Weissenberger |first4=Holger |last5=Escalona-Segura |first5=Griselda |date=2020-12-22 |title=Assessment of the American Flamingo distribution, trends, and important breeding areas |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=15 |issue=12 |article-number=e0244117 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0244117 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=7755198 |pmid=33351836|bibcode=2020PLoSO..1544117T }}</ref>

The island is surrounded by fringing coral reefs. The reefs are home to more than 340 fish species, and almost every species of [[Hard coral|hard]] and [[Octocorallia|soft coral]] found in the Caribbean.<ref name=":11" /> Its reefs and underwater wildlife make it a popular destination for divers,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-13 |title=Go Wild in Bonaire |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/go_wild_in_bonaire |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Travel |language=en}}</ref> and it is surrounded by dive sites.<ref name="infobonaire.com" />

In the late 20th century, with the growth of diving tourism on Bonaire, project developers wanted to build hotels on Klein Bonaire.<ref name=":7" /> In 1999 the island was bought and safeguarded by the Island Territory of Bonaire with the help of the Netherlands, the World Wide Fund for Nature and other conservationists.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scholz |first=Kimberly |date=Feb 15, 2001 |title=Klein Bonaire to remain undeveloped |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Destinations2001-2007/Klein-Bonaire-to-remain-undeveloped |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en}}</ref> Klein Bonaire has been a legally protected nature reserve since 2001, when it was incorporated as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Klein Bonaire |url=https://stinapabonaire.org/bonaire-national-marine-park/klein-bonaire/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Stinapa Bonaire National Parks Foundation |language=en}}</ref> The island is also protected as a wetland of international importance by the [[Ramsar Convention]].<ref name=":11" />

=== Lac Bay ===
Lac Bay is a shallow lagoon in the southeast of Bonaire. The 700 hectare area is surrounded by mangroves. The bay is part of the protected underwater park and has been designated an aquatic area of international importance under the [[Ramsar Convention]]. The bay is unique for the presence of seagrasses and mangroves. Part of the mangroves is virtually undisturbed due to limited accessibility, making it important as a resting area for bird species. Lac Bay is an important resting and nesting area for many marine birds and invertebrates, including the [[queen conch]] or ''Karkó''. This mollusk used to be found in large numbers here, but overfishing has largely eradicated the population. The area serves as a nursery for [[reef fish]] and is the feeding ground for the [[green sea turtle]].

=== Pekelmeer ===
Pekel Lake and the flamingo reserve (800 hectares) are part of the large aquatic area in the south-west of the island. Salt is still extracted from this area. It is also the most important feeding and living area for the flamingo. Depending on the season, between 2,000 and 7,000 flamingos can be found in this area. The flamingo reserve is the most important breeding site in the Southern Caribbean. The total population migrating between Bonaire and South America is estimated at 20,000 individuals. The flamingo places special demands on its environment (water quality, tranquillity) and is very sensitive to disturbance. The Pekelmeer and the flamingo reserve have been designated as a water area of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Bonaire will continue to actively protect the flamingo, the symbol of the island.

=== Salt pans ===
[[File:Salt City Bonaire (339352494).jpg|thumb|[[Cargill Salt]], Bonaire]]
Bonaire also is known for its [[Salt pan (geology)|salt pans]] (also called salt lakes, salt flats, or ''saliñas''),<ref name=":1" />''<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of Nature in the Caribbean Netherlands: Bonaire |url=https://dcnanature.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BioNews-StateofNature-Bonaire.pdf |website=Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance}}</ref>'' which cover 10% of the island's land.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Read |first=Johanna |title=Pledge The 'Bonaire Bond' And Help This Island Famous For Its Underwater Reefs |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johannaread/2022/04/19/pledge-the-bonaire-bond-and-help-this-island-famous-for-its-underwater-reefs/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Salt pans are [[Salt lake|salt lakes]] or inlets that are closed to the sea by a dead coral [[Dyke (embankment)|dyke]]. They have an important function because they ensure the collection and filtration of rainwater. This prevents nutrients and soil particles from reaching the reef and causing damage to the corals. This function is especially crucial during heavy rainfall. The salt pans are also an important feeding ground for many waterbirds. Slagbaai, Gotomeer, Pekelmeer and the Klein Bonaire salt pans are aquatic areas of international importance in the context of the Ramsar Convention. Economically, the salt flats provide for the production and exportation of [[salt]].<ref name=":2" />

=== Caves ===
Bonaire has many dozens of [[Cave|caves]]. There are estimated to be over 200 caves on the island, though not all are easily accessible.<ref name=":3" /> As a geological manifestation they give a picture of the oldest history of the island. In several there are cave drawings made by the original inhabitants of Bonaire. Some caves are home to [[Bat|bats]] or the blind shrimp ''[[Typhlatya]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Botello |first1=Alejandro |last2=Iliffe |first2=Thomas M. |last3=Alvarez |first3=Fernando |last4=Juan |first4=Carlos |last5=Pons |first5=Joan |last6=Jaume |first6=Damià |date=2013 |editor-last=Lambshead |editor-first=John |title=Historical biogeography and phylogeny of Typhlatya cave shrimps (Decapoda: Atyidae) based on mitochondrial and nuclear data |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.12020 |journal=Journal of Biogeography |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=594–607 |doi=10.1111/jbi.12020 |bibcode=2013JBiog..40..594B |hdl=10261/99923 |s2cid=62838926 |hdl-access=free |access-date=2023-01-29 |archive-date=2023-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129003403/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.12020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bats play a useful role in the ecosystem: they trap a large number of insects (including mosquitoes) or provide pollination of flowers, including cactus flowers. The greatest threat to bats is the destruction or disturbance of their roosts.

==Government==
[[File:GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KRALENDIJK, BONAIRE.jpg|thumb|The local parliament and Council House in [[Kralendijk]]]]

===Island Council===
The [[Island council (Netherlands)|island council]] is the local, democratically elected parliament. It is the highest governing body in the public body{{clarify|date=October 2023}} and is responsible for local legislation. Executive power is held by the Crown-appointed governor and the island deputies appointed by the island council. The Three main political parties are the [[Bonaire People's Movement]] led by [[Elvis Tjin Asjoe]], the [[Bonaire Patriotic Union]] led by [[Esther Bernabela]] and the [[Bonaire Democratic Party]] led by [[Clark Abraham]]. Smaller parties include [[Movement 21 (Bonaire)|Movement 21]] and [[Bonaire Social Party]]

===2010 referendum===
Prior to the 2010 referendum, the Netherlands Antilles (comprising the islands of Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and Saba) were governed as a [[parliamentary democracy]] based on the Dutch system of government with free elections held every four years. Dissension about their political future resulted in four of the five islands advocating for separation from the Netherlands Antilles. Some of the island residents wanted autonomy while others wanted more integration.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.geocurrents.info/geopolitics/the-little-noticed-dissolution-of-the-netherlands-antilles | title=The Little-Noticed Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles | work=Geopolitics | date=March 22, 2011 | agency=GeoCurrents | access-date=December 7, 2014 | author=Martin W. Lewis | location=Caribbean | archive-date=January 31, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131005424/https://www.geocurrents.info/geopolitics/the-little-noticed-dissolution-of-the-netherlands-antilles | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2005 a conference was held by the governments of the Netherlands, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles to discuss future constitutional reform and the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. In 2006, Sint Maarten and Curaçao chose [[autonomy]], and Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba opted for a closer relationship with the Netherlands. Constitutional referendums and dismantlement of the Netherlands Antilles was scheduled to take place in 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ekvandoorne.com/images/stories/newsimages/DoingBusinessBonaireEN.pdf | title=Guide to Doing Business on Bonaire | publisher=VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne | work=Doing Business Guides | date=May 2009 | access-date=December 7, 2014 | author=Frank Kunneman, Mark Kater | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214142721/http://www.ekvandoorne.com/images/stories/newsimages/DoingBusinessBonaireEN.pdf | archive-date=December 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dtmag.com/Stories/DiveGeos/bonairegeo.htm | title=Exploring Bonaire: Adventure From Sea to Shore | publisher=Dive Training | access-date=December 7, 2014 | author=Barry Guimbellot, Ruth Guimbellot | archive-date=December 9, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209103251/http://www.dtmag.com/Stories/DiveGeos/bonairegeo.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Bonaire's [[Bonaire constitutional referendum, 2010|announced referendum]] scheduled for 26 March 2010 was canceled in February 2010. The governor of the Dutch Antilles, [[Frits Goedgedrag]], decided to cancel it because it probably contravened international law since part of the population was barred from voting. European Dutch nationals were only allowed to vote if they arrived on the island before 1 January 2007.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/uncertainty-about-bonaire-referendum Uncertainty about Bonaire referendum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016190852/http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/uncertainty-about-bonaire-referendum |date=2012-10-16}}&nbsp;– Radio Netherlands, 2 February 2010</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/bonaire-referendum-cancelled_24489.html |title=Bonaire referendum cancelled |publisher=Expatica.com |access-date=10 October 2010 |archive-date=18 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218024411/http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/bonaire-referendum-cancelled_24489.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The referendum was postponed to September and then October 2010.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/bonaire-referendum-postponed-again Bonaire referendum postponed again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119183542/http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/bonaire-referendum-postponed-again |date=2011-01-19}}&nbsp;– Radio Netherlands, 10 August 2010</ref> Eventually the referendum was held on 17 December 2010, with 84% voting in favor of becoming part of the Netherlands. However, as the 35% [[voter turnout]] rate was below the required 51%, the results of the referendum were declared invalid.<ref>[http://bonairereporter.com/news/010pdfs/12-31-10.pdf The Referendum that wasn't] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708082316/http://bonairereporter.com/news/010pdfs/12-31-10.pdf |date=2011-07-08}}&nbsp;– Bonaire Reporter, 24 December 2010</ref>

=== Judicial Institution and Prison ===
The Judicial Institution (JI) of the Dutch Caribbean (''Justitiële Inrichting Caribisch Nederland''), based on Bonaire, is located in Kralendijk. Since 10 October 2010, the centre has been under the responsibility of the [[Custodial Institutions Agency|Department of Judicial Institutions]] (DJI), the agency of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security for the execution of sentences and custodial measures. The Bonaire site is both a House of Detention and a Judicial Institution. Since 6 December 2010 there is capacity for 76 men, women and juveniles. The name in Papiamentu is Institushon Hudisial Karibe Hulandes, Boneiru site.

==Economy==
{{See also|Economy of the Netherlands}}
[[File:BONAIRE FLAMINGO SANCTUARY.jpg|thumb|[[American flamingo]]s at the sanctuary at the southern end of Bonaire]]

=== Tourism ===
Bonaire's economy is mainly based on tourism, taking advantage of its warm, dry climate and natural environment. The island caters to scuba divers and snorkelers, as the surrounding coral reefs are well preserved and easily accessible from the shore. Bonaire has been widely recognized for many years in the diving community as one of the world's best shore diving destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scubadiving.com/photos/scuba-diving-top-100-best-dive-sites-shore-diving|title=Scuba Diving Top 100: Best Dive Sites for Shore Diving|work=Scuba Diving|access-date=2015-04-22|archive-date=2021-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305173503/https://www.scubadiving.com/photos/scuba-diving-top-100-best-dive-sites-shore-diving|url-status=live}}</ref>

STINAPA, Bonaire's National Marine Park Foundation, describes a total of 89 named dive sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stinapabonaire.org/bonaire-national-marine-park/dive-map/|title=Bonaire National Marine Park|access-date=2025-07-02|work=STINAPA}}</ref> The guidebook created by [[Reef Smart Guides]] in 2018, places the total number of dive sites at 97 when unofficial sites are included. Bonaire's reefs are home to over 57 species of soft and stony coral and more than 350 recorded fish species.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-dive-sites|title=Bonaire Dive Sites - Bonaire Official Tourism Site|website=www.tourismbonaire.com|access-date=2021-05-13|archive-date=2022-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811184459/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-dive-sites|url-status=live}}</ref> Most resorts and hotels have an on-site dive shop, and other accommodations are affiliated with a dive operation. The license plates carry the logo ''Diver's Paradise'' (in English).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/19334677@N00/3478518428/|title=Bonaire License Plate|date=April 4, 2007|newspaper=Flickr|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=April 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405041123/https://www.flickr.com/photos/19334677@N00/3478518428|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lac Bay, in the southeastern part of the island, attracts wind surfers from around the world to Bonaire. The shallow Bay is on the windward side of the island, so trade winds are strong and constant. A barrier reef across the mouth of the bay allows windsurfers of all skill levels to select wave conditions they like. Lac Bay is one of the stops in the PWA Windsurfing Freestyle World Cup and has hosted the Prokids IFCA Championship. Five of the PWA's ten highest ranked freestyle windsurfers are from Bonaire: Kiri Thode, Amado Vrieswijk, Bjorn Saragoza, Tonky Frans and Taty Frans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=2046|title=PWA WORLD WINDSURFING TOUR: Freestyle Men|author=Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA)|access-date=2015-04-23|archive-date=2023-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603132615/https://www.pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=2046|url-status=live}}</ref> In the northern end of Lac Bay is one of the best preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean, which is popular for kayaking and snorkelling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mangrovecenter.com/lac_bay_mangroves.html |title=The Mangrove Info Center, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean |access-date=2015-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303173142/http://www.mangrovecenter.com/lac_bay_mangroves.html |archive-date=2015-03-03}}</ref>
[[File:Sunset In Bonaire (224518193).jpeg|thumb|Sunset In Bonaire]]
Bonaire is also a port of call for more than fifteen cruise lines who make more than eighty calls per season at the island. The total passenger capacity for cruise ships in Bonaire is about 185,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/press/update-on-cruise-and-stay-over-arrivals|title=Update on Cruise and Stay Over arrivals|website=www.tourismbonaire.com|access-date=2021-05-13|archive-date=2022-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624230853/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/press/update-on-cruise-and-stay-over-arrivals|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tourism infrastructure in Bonaire is contemporary and offers a variety of types of accommodations including hotels, full-service resorts, a few small [[bed and breakfast]]s and self-catering vacation rentals of all kinds. Other tourist activities include kite-boarding, windsurfing, mountain-biking, hiking, sailing, charter fishing, boating and bird-watching.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infobonaire.com/activities.html |title=Bonaire Activities |publisher=InfoBonaire |date=2017-06-03 |access-date=2017-06-13 |archive-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316070504/http://www.infobonaire.com/activities.html |url-status=live }}</ref> All-in-all tourist expenditures in Bonaire are estimated at $125&nbsp;million per year.<ref>IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, [http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/...tourism...bonaire/13007212-bijlage11.pdf The Tourism Value of Nature on Bonaire]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}, 2012</ref>

===Currency===

In 2011 the BES Islands replaced their currency, the [[Netherlands Antillean guilder]] ({{Iso4217}}: ANG, symbol: ƒ), with the US dollar rather than replacing it with the [[euro]] which is used in the European Netherlands. The decision was based primarily on the needs for tourism and trade. Most countries and territories in the Caribbean use the dollar as their currency or have a currency linked to the dollar as legal tender. The guilder was [[currency peg|pegged]] to the US dollar for decades with an exchange rate of ƒ1.79 = US$1.00. Adopting the dollar put an end to the dual-currency payment system and foreign exchange charges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions: Why Have the BES Islands Decided on the US dollar?|url=http://www.cn.dnb.nl/en/frequently_asked_questions#!faq-4|access-date=December 7, 2014|work=Caribisch Nederland|publisher=De Nederlandsche Bank|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328232206/https://www.cn.dnb.nl/en/frequently_asked_questions#!faq-4|url-status=live}}</ref> The guilder remained in use in Curaçao and [[Sint Maarten]].

===Taxes===

The separate tax regimes for Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba present a greater risk of double taxation or double exemption from taxes. In an effort to remove the risk, two plans were introduced. One plan prevents double taxation between the Netherlands (Europe) and the BES Islands while the other prevents double taxation between the BES Islands and third countries. The new regime will generate a total annual tax revenue estimated at $52&nbsp;million which is equal to the current tax revenues on the three islands. The combined population of the three islands is about 20,000; about half of these pay income tax.<ref name="GovernmentNL" />

=== Salt production ===
Utilizing the naturally low-lying geography and traditional Dutch dike design, much of Bonaire's southern half has been made into a giant system of ponds and pools which evaporate seawater to produce salt. Presently operated by [[Cargill]], Bonaire's solar salt works produces 400,000 tonnes of industrial grade salt per year. After collection, the salt is then washed and stored in pyramid-shaped piles roughly 15 metres in height, each containing approximately 10,000 tonnes of 99.6 percent pure salt.<ref name=":6">{{cite news |last1=Micallef |first1=Joseph |title=The Surprising Story of Bonaire's Salt Pyramids |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/04/18/the-surprising-story-of-bonaires-salt-pyramids/#7ba89f366adf |access-date=28 November 2019 |agency=Forbes |date=April 18, 2019 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108003048/https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/04/18/the-surprising-story-of-bonaires-salt-pyramids/#7ba89f366adf |url-status=live }}</ref> The salt facility operates its own pier where ships are loaded with salt destined for North American, European and Western Pacific markets. Bonaire's salt is used primarily in industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wikimapia.org/1496460/Cargill-Salt-Bonaire-N-V-Solar-Salt-Works|title=Cargill Salt Bonaire N.V Solar Salt Works|website=wikimapia.org|access-date=2015-04-23|archive-date=2023-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108003048/http://wikimapia.org/1496460/Cargill-Salt-Bonaire-N-V-Solar-Salt-Works|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Bonaire Salt Pier.jpg|thumb|Bonaire Salt Pier]]
The large condensing ponds which ring the crystallizer basins, called the Pekelmeer, are a natural habitat for numerous species of brine shrimp which in turn feed flocks of hundreds of pink flamingoes and other migratory birds. This is the location of Bonaire's flamingo sanctuary.

=== Oil storage and shipment ===
The Bonaire Petroleum Corporation (BOPEC) is a fuel oil storage and transshipment terminal on Bonaire. BOPEC is wholly owned by Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, and functions primarily as a storage facility for multiple grades of refined and non-refined oils from Venezuela and refineries on Curaçao and Aruba. BOPEC also has mixing and blending capabilities for its stored fuels. BOPEC's #1 pier can receive tankers up to 500,000DWT,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocargo.com/ports_serviced_bonaire_bopec.html|title=Rocargo Services N.V.|website=www.rocargo.com|access-date=2015-04-23|archive-date=2023-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302113103/http://www.rocargo.com/ports_serviced_bonaire_bopec.html}}</ref> which means there are only seven ships in the world that are too big for the BOPEC terminal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://petroglobalnews.com/2013/08/the-top-ten-largest-oil-tankers-ever-built/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150423015407/http://petroglobalnews.com/2013/08/the-top-ten-largest-oil-tankers-ever-built/|archive-date=April 23, 2015|title=The Top Ten Largest Oil Tankers Ever Built|author=Harry Cassin|work=Petro Global News|date=2013-08-28}}</ref> A fire at the BOPEC terminal in 2010 is believed to have had a significant impact on Goto Lake and at least one other nearby lagoon.<ref>[http://www.rivm.nl/en/Documents_and_publications/Scientific/Reports/2013/maart/Follow_up_study_on_the_chemical_status_of_Lake_Goto_Bonaire_Measurements_and_risk_assessment Follow-up study on the chemical status of Lake Goto, Bonaire : Measurements and risk assessment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928081159/http://www.rivm.nl/en/Documents_and_publications/Scientific/Reports/2013/maart/Follow_up_study_on_the_chemical_status_of_Lake_Goto_Bonaire_Measurements_and_risk_assessment |date=2015-09-28}} Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment (I&M)</ref>

=== Plantations and plantation houses ===
In 1868 and 1870, a large part of the government land was auctioned and sold. These included five lots for forestry and livestock farming and nine lots for salt exploitation. The buyers of these large lots were mainly wealthy people from Curaçao, successful merchants, who had no intention of living on their plantations. There are no real plantations on Bonaire. The climate and soil conditions on Bonaire are not very favourable for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables of any size. Only salt extraction is economically attractive. In addition, on some "plantations" aloe cultivation (last exported in 1973), maize cultivation (due to drought there was not enough harvest every year), charcoal burning and cattle breeding (mainly goats, last exported in 1970) were carried out.

In the early 20th century, Bonaire's middle class was also able to buy plantation land. On Curaçao, the land house served as the main house of a plantation, where the owner lived. In the immediate vicinity were outbuildings, barns, stables and corrals. Surrounding it were the slave dwellings. On Bonaire, the plantation houses became the owners' cottages, where they stayed during the weekends. Often during the week there was an overseer (vito) who supervised the work on the plantation.

==Transportation==
[[File:Bonaire-Flamingo-airport-2013.JPG|thumb|[[Flamingo International Airport|Flamingo Airport]]]]
Bonaire's first airport was located near Tra'i Montaña Subi Blanku and crossed the current path{{clarify|date=October 2023}} from Kralendijk to Rincon. It was built in 1936. The airport proved to be too small when American soldiers arrived on Bonaire in the second half of 1943. The commander stated that a new airport had to be built. Construction began in December 1943, with the new "Flamingo Airport" opening in 1945. A small terminal was built that was suitable for the number of passengers at the time. This building was used until mid-1976. The airport had received many extensions of both the runway and the terminal itself.

Today the airport is known as [[Flamingo International Airport]] and is served by a variety of both domestic and international airlines. Services from the US include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines. Airlines providing European service include TUI Netherlands and KLM. Consistent{{clarify|date=October 2023}} air service from Curaçao is provided by [[Divi Divi Air]] and [[EZ AIR|EZ Air]].

The airport is equipped with a fire station, control tower and hangar. Plans are under way for modifications to the current airport facilities, the runway and the fire station.

==Settlements==
[[File:Crystal Clear waters of Bonaire (13256547653).jpg|thumb|Bonaire coast]]
The two towns on the island are [[Kralendijk]] (the capital) and [[Rincon (Bonaire)|Rincon]].
Kralendijk has many suburbs/neighbourhoods, although on an island with such a small population, the distinction is not always clearcut.

The town of Kralendijk is a result of a merger of six villages: [[Antriol]] (Entrejol), Nikiboko, Noord Saliña, Playa, [[Leeuwarden, Bonaire|Leeuwarden]] and Tera Kora. The town of [[Rincon (Bonaire)|Rincon]] is the only other town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bonaireparadise.nl/de-dorpen-op-bonaire/|title=De Dorpen op Bonaire|website=Bonaire Paradise|access-date=2 May 2021|language=nl|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308075315/https://www.bonaireparadise.nl/de-dorpen-op-bonaire/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Labra, Bonaire|Labra]], Ishiri, Kokorobi, Jan Doran, Vlijt, Rigot, Porto Spano and Kunchi were several smaller towns that had existed in the national park but were later abandoned.

{{anchor|Demography}}
== Demographics ==
The population was estimated to be 25,133 in 2024, but has since risen to 26,552 by the start of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Netherlands |first=Statistics |date=2025-05-19 |title=Population of the Caribbean Netherlands up by nearly 1.6 thousand in 2024 |url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2025/21/population-of-the-caribbean-netherlands-up-by-nearly-1-6-thousand-in-2024 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Statistics Netherlands |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The majority of Bonaire's population is of [[List of ethnic groups of Africa|African]] or mixed [[Mulatto|Afro-European]] descent. However, a significant part of the population has a variety of origins, including from [[Curaçao]], the [[Netherlands]], the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Venezuela]], [[Colombia]], [[Aruba]], [[Suriname]], the [[United States]] and [[China]], among many others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBS Statline |url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/83698NED/table?ts=1549199994001 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=opendata.cbs.nl |language=nl}}</ref>
[[File:AgeSexPyramid 2023 Bonaire.svg|thumb|Age Sex Pyramid]]

=== Main population centres ===
[[File:Catholic church in Rincon (Bonaire 2014) (15073092343).jpg|thumb|St. Louis Bertrand a Catholic church in Rincon, Bonaire]]The star on Bonaire's flag has six points, representing the six original settlements. Due to population growth and building expansion, five of them have grown together with the capital Kralendijk (with over 26,000 inhabitants at the start of 2025, including the new districts). Only Rincon, the oldest settlement on the island, located in the northern half with some 1,900 inhabitants, remains an independent village. In addition to these nuclei, a number of new districts have been added over the years. Behind Kralendijk, against the hill, are the Republiek and Santa Barbara districts. Behind Santa Barbara, on the coast, is the luxurious new district of Sabadeco (Santa Barbara Development Corporation). Beyond the airport, in the direction of the salt flats, is the neighbourhood of [[Belnem]], named after [[Harry Belafonte]]. The population as of 2017 is distributed in the old towns and districts as follows:<ref name="pop"/>

{|class=wikitable
|+Population statistics 2017<ref name="pop">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/maatwerk/2018/17/bonaire-bevolkingscijfers-per-buurt|title=Bonaire, bevolkingscijfers per buurt|website=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek|access-date=2 May 2021|year=2017|language=nl|quote=Sum of Entrejol (Antriol), Nikiboko, Noord Saliña, Playa and Tera Kora|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926013711/https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/maatwerk/2018/17/bonaire-bevolkingscijfers-per-buurt|url-status=live}}</ref>
!Name!!Population
|-
|Kralendijk||10,620
|-
|Playa (centre of Kralendijk)||2,571
|-
|Tera Kora||1,568
|-
|Nikiboko||3,058
|-
|[[Antriol]]||3,811
|-
|Nort di Saliña||1,217
|-
|Rincon||1,875
|}

=== Religion ===

As in the rest of the former Netherlands Antilles, [[Christianity]] is the predominant religion of Bonaire. Roman Catholicism is the faith of the majority (68%) of the population, and there are also [[Protestantism|Protestant]] minorities.<ref name="Religion" /> Catholicism was introduced during the period of [[Iberian Union|Spanish]] rule. Although the island would pass under the control of the Protestant Netherlands, Catholicism remained the principal island religion. Ecclesiastically, the churches on Bonaire depend on the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Willemstad|Catholic diocese of Willemstad]] on the neighboring island of Curaçao.

After the discovery of Bonaire by Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, the spiritual life of the Christians was in the hands of the monks who came from Venezuela for baptisms. These missionaries belonged to the Jesuits of the Franciscan order. The first resident priest was Jacob Bernardus Eisenbel (Dutch), who came from Aruba to settle for several years in Bonaire and after whom the Parish of St. Bernard, the main Catholic church of the capital of Bonaire, Kralendijk, is named.

Rincon, Bonaire's second largest city, offers numerous regular festivals, including the annual Simadan (harvest) festivals and Dia di San Juan (St. John's Day).{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Bonaire (2014):<ref name="Religion" />
|label1 = [[Roman Catholic]]
|value1 = 68
|color1 = Purple
|label2 = [[Protestant]]
|value2 = 16
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|label3 = Other religion
|value3 = 4
|color3 = Yellow
|label4 = No denomination
|value4 = 12
|color4 = Grey
}}

Bonaire also has an [[Islam]]ic centre and a Jewish community.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/bonairereligion.htm |title=Bonaire Religion |access-date=24 March 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922054922/http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/bonairereligion.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Education===

Bonaire's educational system is patterned after the Dutch system. Early grades are taught solely in Papiamentu, with more and more Dutch being introduced as the grade level progresses.

[[Scholengemeenschap Bonaire]] serves as Bonaire's secondary school, for ages 12–18.<ref>"[http://www.bonairegov.nl/pa/ensenansa/ensenansa-avansa Enseñansa avansá] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727012413/http://www.bonairegov.nl/pa/ensenansa/ensenansa-avansa |date=2020-07-27 }}." Government of Bonaire. Retrieved on February 27, 2018. "Scholengemeenschap Bonaire Kaya Frater Odulfinus z/n"</ref>

===Languages===

As Bonaire is part of the Netherlands, [[Dutch language|Dutch]] is the official language, and the sole language for all administration and legal matters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |title=About Us |website=DutchCaribbeanLegalPortal.com |access-date=2014-05-20 |archive-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620052254/http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |url-status=live }}</ref> However, as at 2017 it is the main language of only 15% of the population — around two thirds, or the majority of Bonaire's population, use the [[creole language]] of [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]] as their main language.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/includes/trends-in-the-caribbean-netherlands-2017.pdf |title=Trends in the Caribbean Netherlands 2017 |website=www.tourismbonaire.com |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401045757/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/includes/trends-in-the-caribbean-netherlands-2017.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2024 the insular council of Bonaire passed a motion to declare [[Papiamento]] a regional language<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redactie |date=2024-01-29 |title=After 15 years of struggle, recognition for Papiamentu as a regional language in Bonaire |url=https://bes-reporter.com/after-15-years-of-struggle-recognition-for-papiamentu-as-a-regional-language-in-bonaire/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=BES Reporter |language=nl-NL |archive-date=2024-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130030159/https://bes-reporter.com/after-15-years-of-struggle-recognition-for-papiamentu-as-a-regional-language-in-bonaire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> of Bonaire under the [[European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages|European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages]] and the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] of the Kingdom of the Netherlands said that this decision would be implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koninkrijksrelaties |first=Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en |date=2024-01-29 |title=Papiamento on Bonaire now officially recognised under the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages - News item - Government.nl |url=https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2024/01/29/papiamento-on-bonaire-now-officially-recognised-under-the-european-charter-for-regional-and-minority-languages |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.government.nl |language=nl-NL |archive-date=2024-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129165404/https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2024/01/29/papiamento-on-bonaire-now-officially-recognised-under-the-european-charter-for-regional-and-minority-languages |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2001 census, Dutch was the main language of only 8.8% of the population, in 2024 this tripled and is now around 25%.<ref name="cbs" /> The most widely spoken language was Papiamentu, the primary language of 60% of the populace and is recognized by the government.<ref name="languages" /><ref name="cbs" /> [[Spanish language|Spanish]] was the main language of 11.8% of the people, [[English language|English]] the primary language of 2.8%, and other languages accounted for 1.8%.<ref name="cbs" /> Bonaire is a [[Multilingualism|polyglot]] society, with most of Bonaire's population able to converse in at least two of the languages of Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish.

==Sports==
[[File:Bonaire sunset.JPG|thumb|Scuba diving is a tourist attraction on Bonaire, tanks here visible on the dock.]]
[[File:Kralendijk Stadium After Renovations (March 2014).jpg|thumb|Kralendijk Stadium After Renovations]]
Bonaire residents participate in numerous sporting events, including all the popular sports that attract tourists to the island such as scuba diving, sailing, fishing, boating, windsurfing, kite surfing, biking, baseball, association football, volleyball and tennis. There are multiple dive shops on Bonaire, most of which offer scuba instruction and [[Professional Association of Diving Instructors|PADI]], [[National Association of Underwater Instructors|NAUI]], [[Scuba Schools International|SSI]] and [[CMAS* SCUBA Diver|CMAS]] certification.<ref>{{cite news | last=Davis | first=Susan | title=Scuba Instruction on Bonaire | website=InfoBonaire | date=2015-02-11 | url=https://www.infobonaire.com/scuba-diving/scuba-instruction/ | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2023-10-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020143416/https://infobonaire.com/scuba-diving/scuba-instruction/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The island's dive shops typically offer scuba tank and dive gear rental, boat diving excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, and naturalist classes. Some dive shops have gas blending stations, and offer tec diving instruction and excursions.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bonaire Dive Courses | website=Bonaire Official Tourism Site | url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-dive-courses | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2022-08-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811184427/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-dive-courses | url-status=live }}</ref>

Bonaire hosted the PWA Bonaire World Cup 2014 and the 10th Prokids IFCA Championship 2014 at Lac Bay in Sorobon on the east side of the island.<ref>{{cite web | date=2013-01-13 | url=http://ifca.internationalwindsurfing.com/page0001v01news1007.htm | title=A Well Deserved Closing Event for Two World Class Events | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2020-07-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727013714/http://ifca.internationalwindsurfing.com/page0001v01news1007.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> It is home to several professional windsurfing champions.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bonaire Windsurfing | website=Bonaire Official Tourism Site | url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-activities-events/details/windsurfing | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015630/https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-activities-events/details/windsurfing | url-status=live }}</ref> The island is also home to the annual Bonaire Sailing Regatta, a national sailing competition and celebration that has been held every October in Playa.<ref>{{cite news | last=Davis | first=Susan | title=Bonaire's Annual Sailing Regatta | website=InfoBonaire | date=2015-09-10 | url=https://www.infobonaire.com/annual-events/bonaires-annual-sailing-regatta/ | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015202/https://www.infobonaire.com/annual-events/bonaires-annual-sailing-regatta/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The event first began in 1967 when Captain Don Stewart challenged Hubert Domacasse to a race, wagering 27 cases of beer that his fishing boat "Sislin" was faster than Domacasse's fishing boat "Velia".<ref>{{cite web | title=Front page for The Bonaire Reporter | website=Bonaire Dutch Caribbean News in English | date=2002-05-31 | url=http://bonairereporter.com/news/2002Issues/06-14-02/ | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015419/http://bonairereporter.com/news/2002Issues/06-14-02/ | archive-date=2019-02-07 }}</ref> The races are run between the [[Windward and leeward|Leeward side]] of the island and Klein Bonaire.<ref>{{cite news | title=Bonaire Sailing Regatta | website=InfoBonaire | date=2018-10-10 | url=https://www.infobonaire.com/event/bonaire-sailing-regatta/ | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020516/https://www.infobonaire.com/event/bonaire-sailing-regatta/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Bonaire Football Federation]] is a member of [[CONCACAF]] and the Bonaire Volleyball Federation is an associate member of CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) and [[NORCECA]]. The Baseball teams play in the Caribbean region of [[Little League World Series (Caribbean Region)|Little league]] and [[PONY Baseball and Softball|Pony league]]. Bonaire was also confirmed as the 218th Table Tennis National association.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.ittf.com/media/press_release/PR_15May13/ | title=Sharara Re-elected as ITTF President | publisher=International Table Tennis Federation | date=May 15, 2013 | access-date=December 7, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215022655/http://www.ittf.com/media/press_release/PR_15May13/ | archive-date=February 15, 2014}}</ref>

==Media==
===Radio===
[[Trans World Radio]] (TWR) first established its [[AM broadcasting]] site on the island of Bonaire in 1964 to broadcast Christian programs into [[Latin America]] and the Caribbean.<ref>{{cite web | title=TWR Bonaire | website=twrbonaire.com | date=1952-02-11 | url=http://www.twrbonaire.com/about/history.html | access-date=2019-02-04 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015946/http://www.twrbonaire.com/about/history.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The programs were broadcast in Spanish, Dutch and English.<ref name="Monde" /> TWR-Bonaire began their operation with three transmitters, including a Brown-Boveri medium wave transmitter (500&nbsp;kW over 800&nbsp;kHz) and two shortwave transmitters (200&nbsp;kW and 50&nbsp;kW); however, their license to operate the 500&nbsp;kW transmitter was revoked in 1999 thereby restricting broadcast to 100&nbsp;kW. The Brown-Boveri medium wave transmitter was sold and removed from the island. It was replaced with another medium wave transmitter (PJB3-AM).<ref name="Monde" /> In 2012, TWR-Bonaire was permitted to increase its power from 100&nbsp;kW to 450&nbsp;kW but in order to do so, they had to raise 38&nbsp;million euros (US$43,456,610.00). In 2016 they commissioned Kintronic Labs to build a four-mast, {{convert|231|m|ft}} parallel-array directional antenna system. On January 31, 2018, they acquired a 450&nbsp;kW Nautel Broadcast medium wave transmitter for US$3.8&nbsp;million, and the name changed from Trans World Radio to Shine 800 AM.<ref name="Monde" />

[[File:Bonaire 1000 steps.jpg|thumb|Bonaire is a popular tourist destination for both [[recreational diving]] and shore snorkelling.]][[Radio Netherlands Worldwide]] operated a shortwave relay station at {{Coord|12|12|48|N|68|19|23|W|type:landmark_region:BQ|name=Radio Netherlands Bonaire Radio Relay Station}}. Because of widespread availability of internet links providing higher audio quality and more flexibility, shortwave broadcasts by RNW-Bonaire were discontinued<ref name="YouTube" /> and at the end of October 2012, the radio station was closed and installations dismantled.

Bonaire has two island radio stations that broadcast general information: Bon FM and Radiodifucion Boneriano. The language spoken for both is Papiamentu.<ref name="ABYZ News Links" />

===Internet and newspapers===
There are several internet news sources including ''BES Reporter'' in English, ''Bonaire'' in Papiamentu and Dutch, ''Bonaire Nieuws'' in Dutch, and ''Info Bonaire'' in English. The local newspapers, some of which are also available online, include ''The Bonaire Reporter'' in English, ''Extra and Boneriano'' in Papiamentu, ''Bonaire Times'' in English, Spanish and Dutch,<ref>{{cite web | title=Bonaire Times | website=Bonaire Times | date=2019-02-24 | url=http://bonairetimes.com/ | access-date=2019-02-28 | archive-date=2019-03-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013425/http://bonairetimes.com/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and two Dutch newspapers: ''Amigoe'' and ''[[Antilliaans Dagblad]]''.<ref name="ABYZ News Links" />

===Television===

Flamingo Television Bonaire B.V. offers cable programming and internet access via cable connection or fiber optics. Local and regional programming is offered in different languages including [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]], Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. English channels are made available through the efforts of a unified group of cable companies comprising the Caribbean Cable Cooperative Ltd.<ref>{{cite web|title=Co-op History|date=April 1997|url=http://www.cctvcoop.com/history.aspx|access-date=2019-02-04|archive-date=2019-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202073748/http://www.cctvcoop.com/history.aspx}}</ref>

Digital television programs and internet access are offered by Telbo N.V., a communication and media provider with an IP based infrastructure. They are the primary telephone service provider, and also offer various packages of high quality digital television programs with 130+ digital channels.<ref>{{cite web | title=MiTV | website=TELBO | url=http://www.telbo.net/tv.html | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224121200/http://www.telbo.net/tv.html | archive-date=2019-02-24 }}</ref>

Residents of Bonaire receive some of Venezuela's main national television channels, all primarily in Spanish.

== Symbols ==

=== Flag ===
The [[Flag of Bonaire|flag]], with the six-pointed star, symbolises a compass. The people of Bonaire are skilled fishermen and sailors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Tamkeen |date=2022-04-20 |title=Bonaire Flag Day |url=https://nationaltoday.com/bonaire-flag-day/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201000352/https://nationaltoday.com/bonaire-flag-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is also said that the four points of the ring indicating East, West, South and North are intended to indicate that all people in the world are equal, regardless of where they come from. The red colour refers to the blood and the survivability of the people of Bonaire. Yellow represents the sun, the beach and the flowers of the Kibrahachi and the cactus. White represents peace and internationalisation. Blue represents the sea. The flag has not existed for a long time. It was only on 11 December 1981 that the design was approved, to which the whole population was able to contribute and give its opinion.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Whitney Smith, Whose Passion for Flags Became a Career, Dies at 76 |work=The New York Times |date=23 November 2016 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/whitney-smith-whose-passion-for-flags-became-a-career-dies-at-76.html |access-date=2024-03-21 |archive-date=2020-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108211541/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/whitney-smith-whose-passion-for-flags-became-a-career-dies-at-76.html |url-status=live |last1=Grimes |first1=William }}</ref>

== See also ==

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* {{portal-inline|Netherlands}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
<references>
<ref name="languages">Papiamentu can be used in relations with the government<br/>{{cite web|url=http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0028063/tekst_bevat_taal%2Bin%2Bhet%2Bbestuurlijk%2Bverkeer/geldigheidsdatum_14-10-2012|title=Invoeringswet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba|language=nl|publisher=wetten.nl|access-date=14 October 2012|archive-date=17 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117173755/http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0028063/tekst_bevat_taal+in+het+bestuurlijk+verkeer/geldigheidsdatum_14-10-2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="WOLBES">{{cite web |title=Wet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba<br/>(Law on the public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) |work=[[Dutch Government]] |url=http://www.eerstekamer.nl/wetsvoorstel/31954_wet_openbare_lichamen |access-date=14 October 2010 |language=nl |archive-date=25 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125025004/http://www.eerstekamer.nl/wetsvoorstel/31954_wet_openbare_lichamen |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Helm">{{Cite book | last = Van Der Helm | first = Rien | title = Traveler's Handbook Bonaire | publisher = Elmar Media Service | year = 1987 | location = Rijswik, The Netherlands | isbn = 978-90-6120-635-4}}</ref>
<ref name="infobonaire.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.infobonaire.com/maps.html |title=Bonaire's Maps |publisher=InfoBonaire |date=2017-06-03 |access-date=2017-06-13 |archive-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316082103/http://www.infobonaire.com/maps.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news |url=http://www.infobonaire.com/weather.html |title=Bonaire's Weather, provided by KNMI |newspaper=InfoBonaire |date=2017-06-03 |access-date=2017-06-13 |archive-date=2015-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610133638/http://www.infobonaire.com/weather.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="GovernmentNL">{{cite web | url=https://www.government.nl/issues/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729042752/https://www.government.nl/issues/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order | archive-date=July 29, 2012 | title=New Constitutional Order | publisher=Government of the Netherlands | work=Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom | date=April 22, 2013 | access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Religion">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2014/51/over-80-percent-of-caribbean-netherlands-population-are-religious|title=Religion in Caribbean Netherlands|date=18 December 2014|publisher=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek|access-date=19 February 2017|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024336/https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2014/51/over-80-percent-of-caribbean-netherlands-population-are-religious|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs.cw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103:households-by-the-most-spoken-language-in-the-household&catid=48:household-characteristics&Itemid=82 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029064510/http://www.cbs.cw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103%3Ahouseholds-by-the-most-spoken-language-in-the-household&catid=48%3Ahousehold-characteristics&Itemid=82 |archive-date=2012-10-29 |title=Households by the most spoken language in the household Population and Housing Census 2001 |publisher=Central Bureau of Statistics}}</ref>
<ref name="Monde">{{cite web | last=Monde | first=Radios du | title=Bonaire: TWR{{Snd}} Radio Trans Mundial devient Shime 800 AM | website=Michel FREMY et la radiodiffusion | url=https://www.media-radio.info/radiodiffusion/index.php?radiodiffusion=Bonaire&id=76&cat_id=6 | language=fr | access-date=2019-02-04 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015314/https://www.media-radio.info/radiodiffusion/index.php?radiodiffusion=Bonaire&id=76&cat_id=6 | url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="ABYZ News Links">{{cite web | title=Bonaire Newspapers & News Media | website=ABYZ News Links | url=http://www.abyznewslinks.com/bonaire.htm | access-date=2019-02-05 | archive-date=2019-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015147/http://www.abyznewslinks.com/bonaire.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Rjik">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/caribische-deel-van-het-koninkrijk/vraag-en-antwoord/waaruit-bestaat-het-koninkrijk-der-nederlanden|title=Waaruit bestaat het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden? -|author=[[Ministry of General Affairs|Ministerie van Algemene Zaken]]|date=May 19, 2015|website=www.rijksoverheid.nl|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513082052/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/caribische-deel-van-het-koninkrijk/vraag-en-antwoord/waaruit-bestaat-het-koninkrijk-der-nederlanden|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="NoS">{{cite web|url=http://nos.nl/artikel/95861-antillen-opgeheven-op-10102010.html|title=Antillen opgeheven|publisher=NOS Nieuws|date=18 November 2009|access-date=10 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224143841/http://nos.nl/artikel/95861-antillen-opgeheven-op-10102010.html|archive-date=24 December 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="YouTube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTmAQ5MNizs&t| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/wTmAQ5MNizs| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live |title=Farewell to RNW shortwave broadcast from Bonaire|date=4 July 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
</references>

== External links ==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline}}
*[http://www.breathebonaire.com/ Breathe Bonaire]&nbsp;– Live webcams from Bonaire (including the first megapixel underwater webcam)

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